Every year, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) releases clinical updates called Standards of Medical Care based on the results from the latest research studies to guide physicians to better manage Diabetes and its complications. ADA has recently released an update called Standards of Medical in Diabetes - 2021 highlighting the latest findings in diagnosis and treatment of all forms of Diabetes in children and adults. We summarise some of the important updates here:The guidelines highlight the possibility of achieving population health by implementing clinical recommendations for masses. This includes personalised care, a multidisciplinary care team and telemedicine for reaching people located in remote areas.People with a high body mass index <BMI) should be checked regularly for high blood sugar levels. Also, people who are of age 45 or more should check their blood sugar levels as a part of an annual check-up.People who have family members with Diabetes, people with high blood pressure, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) should also check their blood sugar levels regularly to prevent complications.Diet and exercise is the cornerstone of managing Diabetes. Medication should be prescribed keeping in view the coexisting and future risk of health conditions. Newer medications offer glucose control as well as protection of kidneys and heart in Diabetes.People should be educated by physicians and Diabetes educators to self-monitor blood sugar levels and self-administer insulin. Wherever flexible, they should be guided to use glucose monitoring devices to check their blood sugar levels. This would help people take active participation in taking care of their health.People with Diabetes may sometimes experience stress, anxiety and negative thoughts due to the diagnosis, medications, frequent pricking, etc. This is called Diabetes distress. People experiencing Diabetes distress should be assessed and counselled regularly. Mental health should be given more importance in Diabetes management.
Every year, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) releases clinical updates called Standards of Medical Care based on the results from the latest research studies to guide physicians to better manage Diabetes and its complications. ADA has recently released an update called Standards of Medical in Diabetes - 2021 highlighting the latest findings in diagnosis and treatment of all forms of Diabetes in children and adults. We summarise some of the important updates here:The guidelines highlight the possibility of achieving population health by implementing clinical recommendations for masses. This includes personalised care, a multidisciplinary care team and telemedicine for reaching people located in remote areas.People with a high body mass index <BMI) should be checked regularly for high blood sugar levels. Also, people who are of age 45 or more should check their blood sugar levels as a part of an annual check-up.People who have family members with Diabetes, people with high blood pressure, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) should also check their blood sugar levels regularly to prevent complications.Diet and exercise is the cornerstone of managing Diabetes. Medication should be prescribed keeping in view the coexisting and future risk of health conditions. Newer medications offer glucose control as well as protection of kidneys and heart in Diabetes.People should be educated by physicians and Diabetes educators to self-monitor blood sugar levels and self-administer insulin. Wherever flexible, they should be guided to use glucose monitoring devices to check their blood sugar levels. This would help people take active participation in taking care of their health.People with Diabetes may sometimes experience stress, anxiety and negative thoughts due to the diagnosis, medications, frequent pricking, etc. This is called Diabetes distress. People experiencing Diabetes distress should be assessed and counselled regularly. Mental health should be given more importance in Diabetes management.
